Ally Shields's Blog, page 65

New YA Release: Reluctant Prince by Dani-Lyn Alexander

Enjoy this spotlight on a new paranormal release...and be sure to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway!
                                           Reluctant Prince
                                   Kingdom of Cymmera Book One



Betrayal lies cloaked in shadow.

Seventeen year old Ryleigh Donnovan is certain her life is cursed. Nothing ever goes smoothly, and her first job interview is no exception. An earthquake rocks the building, sending Ryleigh on a frantic search for her younger sister, a search which lands her in the hospital. Terrified they’ll push her for answers she can’t afford to give, Ryleigh flees with a mysterious stranger.

Jackson Maynard is about to be ordained as a Death Dealer, a warrior for the Kingdom of Cymmera, but first he must pass one more test. When he fails to acquire the human girl the prophet has chosen, he’s forced to stand trial for treason. Banished from his realm, he seeks out the girl from the vision, Ryleigh Donnovan, and together they embark on a journey to save his dying kingdom.

Buy Links:

Amazon:   http://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Prince-Kingdom-Cymmera-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00NJ0VL56
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/relucant-prince-dani-lyn-alexander/1120501565?ean=9781616505905

Kensington:   http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/31105

Kobo:   http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/reluctant-prince

Excerpt:

Jackson clutched the stone wall of his chamber and gasped for air. What had just happened? He had returned to Cymmera, of that he was certain, but how? He hadn’t accessed the gateway. At least he didn’t remember opening it. A vision of her assailed him, beat at him, reminded him that he’d failed.

Oh, man. He was in trouble. He pushed away from the wall.

Images of his target taunted him.

He shoved a chair aside and tore through the pictures scattered across the table in a desperate search for salvation. There. He pulled the shot from the mess but found only condemnation. The long blond hair flowing behind her in the snapshot had not been visible to him, but there was no mistaking the deep blue of her eyes.

The pounding of a fist against the heavy wood door released him from whatever spell she’d cast.

“Jackson.” Another loud thud punctuated his name.

He struggled to get his bearings, tried to slow the racing of his heart. “Yeah, one minute.”

“Now. Your father wants to see you, immediately.”

Kai, his father’s most trusted warrior. He was in more trouble than he’d originally thought. Was it possible the king would sentence him to death for ignoring a direct order? Surely not without offering him a fair trial, or at least granting him the opportunity to explain. But what could he say? What explanation could there be for failing to deliver the girl? None.

“I won’t knock again.” The warrior would soon break down the door and drag him before the throne.

He crumpled the offending photo, the evidence of his disgrace, into a ball. Instead of tossing it in the trash as he’d intended, he shoved it into the small leather satchel he wore at his waist. With a deep breath, he released the latch and pulled open the door.

“Come.” Kai turned his back on him and strode purposefully down the corridor, their footfalls echoing through the silence of accusation.

The thought of escape taunted him, but he would never make it out of the castle. He had only recently completed his warrior training under Kai’s watch and would be no match for the seasoned soldier. Besides, Kai was a stickler for the rules. If he tried to run, the warrior would surely take him down, protégé or not.
Bio:

Dani-Lyn Alexander lives on Long Island with her husband, three kids and three dogs. She loves spending time with her family, at the beach, the playground, or just about anywhere. In her spare time, which is rare, she enjoys reading and shopping—especially in book stores. Some of her favorite things include; Bernese Mountain Dogs, musicals, bubble baths and soft blankets. She’s an incurable insomniac and has an addiction to chocolate.

Social Media:

Website:  http://www.danilynalexander.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/danilynalexander
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DaniLynAlexande

a Rafflecopter giveaway Thanks for stopping by the blog!

Book Spotlight: Snake Face by Amber Foxx

Are you in the deep freeze like most of us in the US Midwest? Grab a hot toddy and cozy up with a little woo-woo and a "murderless" mystery...
                   The Mae Martin psychic mystery series

No murder, just mystery.

          This unique series blends multiple genres. The Outlaw Women, the free short story that’s a prequel the series, is a mystical paranormal tale. The Calling has been reviewed as realistic fiction with paranormal elements. It’s a mystery in the sense of finding out secrets, centering around Mae’s challenges in her family, town and friendships as she discovers and explores her psychic gift. In Shaman’s Blues—which earned a B.R.A.G. Medallion—Mae tries to locate missing people in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and to understand a puzzling death in the past. The real mystery in this book is a person, a man with layers of hidden truths. Snake Face, released Nov. 1, blends paranormal, mystery, romance, and suspense.

Snake Face
The third Mae Martin Psychic Mystery

Trying to revive his career, singer Jamie Ellerbee is on his first tour. Mae Martin is venturing into her first relationship since her divorce. Bad judgment and worse luck force Jamie to ask for Mae’s psychic aid. His unrequited love for her makes it an awkward request, but she can’t refuse to help a friend. The more she looks into the problem, the more frightening it becomes and the wider its web expands—not only into Jamie’s past, but also a bad-boy celebrity’s private life, and even her new boyfriend’s history.

Buy Links:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/snake-face-amber-foxx/1120524848?ean=2940046239119&itm=1&usri=2940046239119
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/snake-face
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id928632463
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OGM2CLS

Bio:

Amber Foxx writes the mystery series featuring healer and psychic Mae Martin. Amber’s professional training and academic studies in various fields of complementary and alternative medicine, as well as her personal experience and travels, bring authenticity to her work. She has worked professionally in theater and dance, fitness, and academia. In her free time she enjoys music, dancing, art, running and yoga. She divides her time between the southeast and the southwest, but Truth or Consequences, New Mexico is home.

Web site:

http://amberfoxxmysteries.wordpress.com
Come back soon...

A Six Letter Word for One Who Writes

Good Morning, booklovers!

Our guest for today's Coffee Chat is unavailable, but since you're already here, I thought we'd play a quick word game. Grab your coffee or tea or whatever beverage is your preference, and put on your thinking cap...

What's a six letter word for a person who writes a book? No proper names please. That's called cheating. :)
Ready, set, go...

Thinking...

Thinking...

Thinking...

Writing...

Okay, I have seven.
                                                          Author, writer, teller, reader, editor, scribe, critic.

How'd you do? Did you discover more? If so, tell us about them in the comments.

So, what's the point, you ask? I'm not sure there is one. :) But look at my list and how closely it reflects the many hats an author wears in producing a single book.

We don't just put words on paper like a scribe. We tell a story, then critique it, revise, rewrite, and edit long before it get into the hands of another professional. Yet it all comes back to that fourth word: reader. We all began as readers of someone else's work, and every author I know is still an avid reader today.

There is a National Reading Day, a World Reading Day, a Read Across America Day, and probably many more in the US and other countries too numerous to mention here. But everyday should be a worldwide reading day. Ray Bradbury said it best,  "There are worst things than burning books. One of them is not reading them."

When you leave this blog, do yourself a favor - find a good book. Any genre that appeals to you, any author—maybe try a new one—and enjoy the journey through a world the author created just for you. You'll have a wonderful time...and I guarantee it will make your day!

Veterans' Day Tribute

Honoring Our Heroes...
Music often says it like nothing else, as in this Tim McGraw YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwoXmXA8BvY

Congratulations & Thanks

APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE!

Congratulations to the winners of the settings hunt!

Terye from Canada

L.C. from Georgia, USA

 I hope you enjoyed Wild Fire's weekend book birthday as much as I did. The prizes are already on their way.




Thanks so much to everyone who participated. You are the fantastic readers and great supporters who keep the writers among us working on the next book.

I also want to thank my loyal, awesome blogger friends who made the weekend such a success. Please visit their blogs again to see what else they're talking about!


Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
AJ Locke
Angela Myers
Brinda Berry
Carmen Stefanescu
Danielle Devor
Dani-Lyn Alexander
DL Richardson]
Erin Moore
Joyce Laverne
Kath Marsh
Kirstin Pulioff
Lindsey Loucks
Norma Huss
Sue Roebuck
Tina Gayle
Don't forget to check out my books! :) And come back soon...

Wild Fire (Guardian Witch #6) Release Day Party

                   Wild Fire is Here!

You're Invited to join me in celebrating my new release.
There are two different parties going on!

The first one starts right here...

Writers always talk about characters in their books, but settings are almost as important, and they play a huge role in the Guardian Witch series. Wild Fire is no exception, and this weekend blog tour focuses on several settings that are the backdrop for key events in the book. In fact, I think they're so important that I'm running a special contest.

If you collect the names and numbers of all ten (10) settings, you could win your choice of three ebooks in the series (including this latest release) or a $15.00 Amazon gift certificate. It's easy to do. Here are the rules. 

NOTE: A setting may appear on more than one blog, so be sure you have 10 different settings before turning in your entry.

Visit the blogs on this list -- or enough to collect all ten settings and read the two excerpts-- then email me at allyshieldsbooks@gmail.com by 9:00 a.m. November 10, 2014 EST with your completed list. You will automatically be entered in a random drawing (2 winners).

Here is the list of participating blogs:

AJ Locke
Angela Myers
Brinda Berry
Carmen Stefanescu
Danielle Devor
Dani-Lyn Alexander
DL Richardson
Erin Moore
JL Buck
Joyce Laverne
Kath Marsh
Kirstin Pulioff
Lindsey Loucks
Norma Huss
Sue Roebuck
Tina Gayle       (A second link on Tina's blog will go live on Nov. 9 with another excerpt: click here)

More Fun: Those of you who read this before 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. EST on November 7, are invited to join us at the official Facebook release party (https://www.facebook.com/events/314795258698003/) for games and prizes, including books, swag and more gift certificates!!
Book Blurb, Trailer and Beginning Lines:
Blurb:

A vision. A lost talisman. A dangerous journey through time...

A month after their bonding, Ari and Andreas are still adjusting to married life when they learn the hard way that the O-Seven, the terrifying and brutal vampire elders, still have them in their sights. A three million dollar bounty hangs over each of their heads, and there’s no lack of assassins eager to collect.

When the local seer has a terrifying vision of the destruction of Riverdale, it’s up to Ari—as usual—to keep everyone safe. Only this time, an enemy from the past has bound her fire powers, and the city’s string of arsons seems connected.

Daron, the vampire prince in Toronto, has information that two of the vampire elders are on their way to Riverdale. Which can’t be good. Only a risky and unprecedented journey through time can provide the help they need. But that will leave Andreas to face the O-Seven alone...

Buy Links:
Amazon
Etopia Press Bookstore
Barnes and Noble
All Romance Ebooks
Kobo

Also available now or soon at most online booksellers

Book Trailer on Youtube: http://youtu.be/nGO1wudi7xQ

Beginning Lines:

      Needlelike streams of magical energy—one pale blue, the other a shimmering green—arced upward through the cave’s darkness. Their glow reflected off stalactites, hanging from the rocky ceiling like boney fingers. The magics curved gracefully toward one another, guided by the man and woman standing below. At the moment of contact, a violent explosion shook the Chamber of Ages. Sparks shot down the magical trails. His wand flew into the air and dropped to clatter against one of the limestone projections on the floor.
     “Damnation.”
     “Ouch!” Ari shook her hands and danced away, causing the protective charms on her bracelet to jingle. Maybe she should consider using a wand. “That stung.”
     Andreas swore again, softly this time, staring at the puff of smoke. An acrid hint of sulphur marked the area of magical collision. “I am certain that was not supposed to happen."

Thank you for being part of the big day!

Coffee Chat Author Interview: N.N. Light

Grab your coffee mugs and pull up a chair! We're ready for another author chat. I'd like to welcome paranormal/fantasy writer N.N. Light.

May I pour you something to drink?

Mrs.N: I don’t drink coffee much but my hot drink of choice is hot chocolate with a dash of whipped cream.

Ally: Coming right up. In the meantime, tell readers a little about yourself.

  Author Bio:

N. N. Light was born in Minnesota, lived in Southern California only to move to chilly Ontario, Canada to marry her beloved husband MR N. She is blissfully happy and loves all things chocolate, books, music, movies, art, sports and baking. Most of the time you can find her on Twitter or getting new ideas on how to spread the Light on Pinterest.

Part of the proceeds of Princess of the Light will go directly to food banks in order to feed the hungry and help those in need. With only 7,500 books sold, N. N. Light will be able to set up a monthly endowment for the local food bank.

Something unique that isn't in my normal bio: Hmm. My senior year of high school, I went to France for two weeks and it shaped me into the woman I am today.

I’d love to connect with you either via email or via these various social media sites:

Website: http://princessofthelight.com   
Blog: http://princessofthelight.wordpress.com  
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/nnlight   
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NNP_W_Light  
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nnlight  
Email: nnlight@outlook.com  
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PrincessOTLight
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/n-n-light/90/1a7/902  
Newsletter:  Sign up for my Princess of the Light newsletter to get exclusive content on all things book and writing related: http://ymlp.com/xghjsueygmgh
Ally:  Tell us about the fictional world you've created and the beings that inhabit it.

Mrs.N:  Princess of the Light is the story of Mary, a woman in her twenties, destined to battle the demons, restore the balance and flood the world with Light.  She receives a visitation from Gabriel, the Archangel, and he reveals she is the Princess of the Light.  She carries the Light and she is God’s Warrior Princess.  She is skeptical at first but with Gabriel’s help, she soon starts to believe it.

At the moment of her calling, she meets her soulmate and future husband, Joe, and they fall madly in love.  Mary knows she loves Joe but can she trust him with her secret?

Gabriel reveals that her first assignment is restore the soul of a homeless man who the town knows as the Walking Man, who keeps to himself.  Mary follows him and runs into the demon, Than and Lisbeth, his second in command.

Lisbeth is a greedy self-centered demon who wants to usurp Than and become Lucifer’s second in command.  The only way she can do it is to kill the Princess

Ally:   Describe your writing process. When and where do you write?

Mrs.N:  When I first started writing, I was a total pantser. I would sit in front of the computer and just write. Through writing Princess of the Light, I discovered the benefits of plotting and planning. So now, I consider myself a hybrid plotter.  I have a loose outline and detailed character arcs but allow myself the freedom to waver from the outline. I love free-writing and I get a lot of my best ideas when I let my mind go. The positive of having a plot outline for me is the ability to stay on track. Sometimes I can go off on a tangent and then forget my point.

My writing process is one, oddly enough, of structure. I’m not a structured person by nature and those who know me are surprised I’m so organized. I write every day (Monday through Friday) between the hours of 1-5 pm. I put on some music, either classical or Pink Floyd and get comfortable. I drink water from the same purple cup with matching straw. I have a writing mascot (cute teddy bear figurine my husband gave me in 2012) and I rub his head for good luck.

Ally:  How often do you find time to read? What type of books?

Mrs.N:  I love to read and I try to sneak in at least thirty minutes a day. My life is so packed with activities and things that need to be done so taking a few minutes to read a book is my salvation. A trick I learned is to leave the book I’m reading in the bathroom. I’m in there several times a day and it relaxes me.

My tastes in books are varied. I love everything from genre fiction to non-fiction. I absolutely adore paranormal romance, mysteries, suspense, romance, historical romance and fantasy. As a reader, I want to be whisked away on an adventure. Ultimately, when a book is great, I’m connected with the characters and I don’t want the book to end.

Ally:  What's your favorite social media? How much time does it take? Do you use it for marketing?

Mrs.N:  I’ve been on Twitter since 2011 and it’s so much fun! It’s like an international social club and I have met many wonderful people through Twitter. Unlike Facebook, it’s about connecting and interacting with people. I’m a professional marketer and Twitter can be an invaluable tool for authors and writers. The secret to effective book marketing on Twitter is enticing people to want to read more about your book. You have to be creative with words on Twitter and that’s part of the fun for me. I recommend Twitter to all of my author friends.

Ally: Let's try a few quick answer questions:

     a. a person who inspires you:  MR N
     b. walk on the beach or hike the mountains:  walk on the beach (love affair with the water)
     c. favorite feel good movie:  Love Actually
     d. an item on your bucket list:  Christmas in Banff
     e. last memorable book you read:  Dracula My Love by Syrie James

Ally:  Thanks for visiting us today. Please show us your book before you rush off to your busy life.

Mrs.N:  I'd love to do that. Thank you for having me here on the Coffee Chat. You're such a terrific hostess and the hot chocolate is delicious!
Ally:  My pleasure.


Blurb:

Gabriel, the Archangel and Messenger of God - yeah that Gabriel, visited Mary Miller. He told her, as the key she is destined to spread the Light and vanquish the Darkness. Her first assignment is to restore the soul of the Walking Man. Sounds simple enough until she’s thrown in the face of evil, and then Joe Deacons enters her heart. This battle just got a lot more complicated. She must complete her mission without losing all she loves.

(Book Cover Graphic Artist Credit: Illustration: streamy digital; Model: VictoriaAndrea; photo: shutterstock/depositphoto)

Excerpt Link:

http://princessofthelight.wordpress.com/2014/08/22/princess-of-the-light-excerpt-prologue/






Buy Links:

Smashwords
Barnes and Noble
Amazon.com       Amazon Canada       Amazon UK  
Kobo
Indigo
iTunes/ iBooks
Thanks for stopping by the blog. Come back soon!

Romancing Christmas Blog Tour and Book Review

Romancing Christmas: 10 Love Stories to Spice up the Holidays

Multi-author boxed set
Release Date: November 3, 2014
Genre: Holiday Romance
Cover Artist: http://www.bellamediamanagement.com/
~~Blurb~~
Do you like your Christmas nice...or a little naughty? Bring the season into your heart with love stories to match your mood. This boxed set from 10 of today’s hottest romance authors will warm your heart even on the coldest night.

~~Purchase Links~~ Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Apple iBooks
KOBO


~~JOIN IN THE FUN AT OUR FACEBOOK PARTY~~

Join the  ROMANCING CHRISTMAS  authors for their LAUNCH DAY PARTY! The authors and a slew of their sassy friends will be celebrating the release, November 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM (EASTERN TIME).

Prizes Galore, Q&A, Authors, Readers, Books, and FUN! So what are you waiting for? Come join us and have a blast!

https://www.facebook.com/events/334906006689968/

Broken Protocols 3.5 by Dale Mayer
When Charmin Marvin wonders when Christmas Day would be in their new time frame, he sets events in motion no one could have expected.
Dani and Charmin lost a lot when they were brought 200 years into the future. But nostalgia brings the possibility of Christmas back into Dani's life – if she can make it happen.

Levi hates to deny Dani anything, but all holidays were removed from his society by the government decades ago. He has no idea what she's talking about – and when he does research and finds out – he wonders if something can be done. And someone outside of their small family wonders, too…

Dani has the best of intentions – but creating Christmas in a world that no longer knows what a holiday is makes her life very complicated very quickly.
Website:http://www.dalemayer.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/DaleMayer.author
Twitter:https://twitter.com/DaleMayer
Shades of Holly by H. D. Thomson

Do you like murder and mystery with your mistletoe?
Enter Zach Howard, a man who’s finally managed to get his life on track this holiday season, until that is, he comes across a pair of otherworldly sunglasses. They reveal scenes of a terrifying future. Holly, the one woman he’s never stopped loving, is in danger of a psychopath. This time around, he’s determined to fight for Holly, even at the risk of his own life. But even if he manages to save her, can Zach restore her faith in him? He prays that this Christmas miracles and angels do exist.
Website:http://www.hdthomson.com/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/authorhdthomson
Twitter:https://twitter.com/HDThomson
Season For Love by Chantel Rhondeau


The specter of death tempered by beautiful miracles is all in a day’s work for head nurse Tess Riggs and pediatric specialist Dr. Dash Brisson. But discovering Christmas is the season for love could be their biggest challenge yet.

Website: http://www.chantelrhondeau.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChantelRhondeau
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChantelRhondeau



Christmas Hope (2013 Golden Heart finalist) by Leslie Lynch 

A one-man landscape business keeps a roof over Sam Bledsoe’s head and food on the table—and keeps his badly scarred face away from curious eyes. Free spirit Becca Sweet is pregnant—and down on her luck. With Christmas and a storm on the way, living in her car is no longer an option. When Sam comes to Becca’s rescue, they discover that Christmas hope applies to all, even to them. Will hope lead to love, the most precious Christmas gift of all?

Website: www.leslielynch.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeslieLynchWrites
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Leslie_Lynch_

A Christmas Miracle (a 2014 Carolyn Reader’s Choice winner) by Sandy Loyd


Megan Jenkins isn't looking forward to Christmas, a holiday that reminds her of what she had and lost, a husband who died right after Christmas the year before, leaving her a young widow with a fatherless son to raise. During the course of this Christmas Eve, Megan experiences her own Christmas Miracle as she learns the true meaning of giving with the help of Kevin Murdock, a long-time friend who's always been there for her.

Website: www.sandyloyd.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sloydwrites
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sloydwrites


The Salty Carmel Christmas by Barbara Lohr

Nothing ever changes for Rachel Morgan in Paris, Indiana. And then Eli kisses her. When Rachel returns home for Christmas, she’s not exactly the family success story. The soft-spoken guy with killer blue eyes makes Rachel take a second look. Paris offers her a second chance. Sometimes life can be like a salty Christmas carmel—sweet but with a tang you remember. Sometimes the boy you leave behind is the man you want forever.

Website: www.BarbaraLohrAuthor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Barbaralohrauthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/BarbaraJLohr
Heating Up the Holidays by Marcia James

When Chris Spencer returns home with his daughter, he's not looking for a second chance with his first love. And the last thing Nicky Paxton needs at Christmas time is her high school heart-breaker. But thanks to a hairless dog and a lonely child, they might get their Christmas desires.


Website:www.MarciaJames.net
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MarciaJamesAuthor
Twitter:http://twitter.com/Marcia_James


Insanity Claus by Carolyn Hughey
A widow of two years, Mallory Gardner is struggling to keep her business alive and still function in her dysfunctional family. Having two daughters, one of which who blames Mallory for her father’s death is enough to test anyone’s sanity. But when Arden J. Miller waltzes into town, he has other ideas—like capturing Mallory’s heart even though love is the last thing on her mind.
Can two irresistible forces deal with immovable objects, or will the effects of the holiday spirit help resolve issues previously thought to be unsolvable?

Website: www.carolynhughey.com
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/YUamEZ
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ScribBLINGDIVA
A Family for Christmas by Tallulah Grace

Erin Matthews returns home to find closure, but she soon discovers truths that change her life forever. Luke Simmons never expected to meet a woman who sparks fire in his soul, even as his heart is breaking. Together, they find healing, and the true spirit of Christmas, in the love of a patchwork family.
Website: http://www.tallulahgrace.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/grace.tallulah
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TallulahSpeaks
Blog: http://www.tallulahspeaks.com


A Father for Christmas by Rachelle Ayala

Single mother Kelly Kennedy can't afford lavish gifts for her four-year-old daughter, Bree. Homeless veteran Tyler Manning doesn't believe he deserves a Merry Christmas. When Bree asks Santa for a father and picks Tyler, both Tyler and Kelly must believe in the power of love to give Bree her best Christmas ever.
Website: http://rachelleayala.me
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rachelleayalawriter
Blog: http://www.rachelleayala.com


~~Purchase Links~~

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1xf3CwQ

http://bit.ly/1wuTmjW

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1w0b2pD

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1FMogdJ REVIEW by Ally Shields:

I had the opportunity to read this collection prior to release and found myself thoroughly entertained.

Romancing Christmas is more than sexy bedroom scenes, although there are a few. These are love stories with substantive themes and issues, including life-threatening illnesses, PTSD, loss, betrayal, second chances, and the magic that is Christmas. They'll make you laugh and cry and cheer. From a talking cat to a child who wants a papa for Christmas, you'll be flipping the pages to see what happens next. Sweet or spicy, Romancing Christmas has something for everyone. A charming holiday collection!

#FallingIntoLove Book Spotlight: A Guy and A Girl

Victoria Adams' latest A Guy and A Girl #FallingIntoLove

Lies, deceits and secrets - not a good way to begin a relationship.

Blurb:

After an ugly past forced Hunter Connolly to escape to Europe, the talented hockey player is back in North America and determined to land a position with a professional team. But he can’t hide from his past forever, especially when his beautiful classmate, Chelsea, forces him to reexamine his life. Soon, hockey is not his first priority anymore.

Chelsea Henderson is a bright co-ed working towards her dream of being a professional dancer. She forms a unique friendship with one of her father’s newest recruits and would love nothing more than to take it to the next level. However, there’s just one small problem. He doesn’t know she’s his coach’s daughter.

Amid the deceptions, danger lurks closer than they could ever imagine. Will fate contrive to rip the young lovers apart? Or will Hunter and Chelsea have their shot at love?

Excerpt

"Come on in." Hunter called from his spot sprawled on the floor in front of his sofa.

Chelsea walked into the living room. "Hey."

He nodded, grabbed the remote and muted the television.

Chelsea spun a kitchen chair around and sat on it. "Okay, the silence's killing me. I'll start with some lame conversation and you just leap in. How was the bio midterm?"

"Passed it. Should write all my exams with a hangover."

She tapped her fingernail on her thigh. "Guess that was the end of the conversation starters."

Hunter levelled a glare at her. "What do you want, Chelsea?"

"I want you to sound less angry. I want to talk. I'd like to try and explain. First off, I'm so sorry the cops hauled you in."

"No."

"No?" Her voice squeaked.

"Todd was stalking you. The cops had no idea if it was him or me. And from the questions asked, I'd say some pretty weird things'd been happening."

She shuddered. "I kept thinking I was being paranoid or something. But that's not why I'm here."

Hunter slammed a fist on the carpet. "I damn near slept with the coach's daughter! Why the hell didn't you tell me?"

Chelsea watched the tiredness in his eyes shift to rage. "Because... because...."

"I wouldn't date you if I knew who you were."

"Yea and that's not fair." She sat up taller and matched her gaze with his. "It's not my fault your coach is my dad."

Hunter closed his eyes and sighed. "I don't know what to do, Chelsea. My head hurts too damn much to think."

"Damn it, Hunter, I really like you. I don't want to lose you as a friend. I don't want to lose us."

"I don't know if there's going to be an us anymore." He rubbed his temples.

Chelsea sat behind him on the sofa, slipped her hands under his and began massaging his head.

Hunter pushed her hands away. Although it hurt him to say it, he said, "Go home, Chels. I need time to think."

He refused to look at her. He couldn't. He knew he'd give in, wrap his arms around her and beg her to stay.

Exclusively at - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2GRD1U
A Bit about Victoria Adams

I live in Ontario, Canada with my husband and pets. Daughter's grown up and is now teaching. I like to garden, cook and study Raqs Sharqi (Egyptian belly dance). I've been writing since I was little. Being an only child, long car rides were filled with making up stories in my head about the people I saw out the car window. I wrote my first full manuscript in 10th grade. When my daughter was younger, I made up stories that she suggested. I'd say – Once upon a time there was a…. She'd shout an answer – chicken! And the story went from there. Great creativity exercise as it turns out. Now, my writing style has taken a split to contemporary romance for adults and contemporary romance for new adults.

Circles Trilogy is my first series.

Dancing in Circles – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009PFNPMG
Circles Divided  - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BBKNDAC
Circles Interlocked - Ebook link - http://www.amazon.com/Circles-Interlocked-ebook/dp/B005S8LI46
Print – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/circles-interlocked-victoria-adams/1113052929?ean=9781475268928
(Books 1 and 2 will be out in paperback in the not too distant future.)

Where to find me:

Blog – Pages of Romance – http://victoriaadams.blogspot.com
FaceBook - http://www.facebook.com/victoriaadams.romancewriter
Facebook Author Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Victoria-Adams/244325918978641
FaceBook – Circles Trilogy Page - http://www.facebook.com/CirclesTrilogy?ref=hl
Twitter – http://twitter.com/_VictoriaAdams
Google+ - https://plus.google.com/u/0/101309354959026073738/posts
Wattpad – http://www.wattpad.com/user/VictoriaAdams

I'd love to hear from my fans. It helps to connect with what my readers what to read.

Halloween Book Spotlight: Some Enchanted Autumn

Halloween used to be...

a big deal in my family. I have memories of my father dressed up as Frankenstein and my mother as Morticia. One Halloween, he was a big spider made from garbage bags and a fur rug. He was so scary, quite a few kids would drop their bags of candy and run away. He would chase after them to give it back. He didn't always catch them, because he was a very big spider:D

When I started writing, I actually began with a holiday-themed romance. Naturally, it was Christmas and centered on the ceramic villages I collected from Department 56. But then my editor at Zumaya said that there are more holidays and was I writing about them, too?

In the space of a heartbeat, I told her I'd write about Halloween. I tied it into the first book by using the ceramic villages and then my mind flooded with possibilities. And I included them all. The mayor of Pumpkin is a vampire. My heroine is a witch. The hero is is the town boogeyman (and not just because he's from the neighboring Christmas village). The gravediggers are zombies. And there's an ambulatory skeleton that creates mischief. And there's a feud between the towns devoted to each holiday.

As you can see, this Halloween story is all about the imagination.

To win a pdf copy of The Christmas Village, leave a comment telling me your favorite all-time costume and I'll select one person who leaves a comment.

Happy Halloween!

For today and tomorrow, Some Enchanted Autumn will be on sale for $2.99 so pick up a copy before the price goes up to $6.99.
Some Enchanted Autumn book blurb:

Autumn leaves aren't the only things stirring in Pumpkin this Halloween.

Avalon Lynch worked hard to escape the tarnish of her witching heritage. Everything she's ever wanted is within her grasp until a visit home and a mishap with a skeleton binds her to an offspring of the Dugan, Pumpkin's equivalent of the Bogeyman.

Nicholas Dugan loves autumn--the changing leaves, the ripening harvest and the tricks played on their neighboring town. He's content to watch the Halloween fun until a sinister prank reveals his family's dark past and their cursed future.

Bound by their devotion to their family, Lonnie and Nick search for a mysterious prankster before his malicious tricks destroy both their futures.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Some-Enchanted-Autumn-Dugan-Brothers-ebook/dp/B00ODGGWUY/
Print/Nook: http://www.zumayapublishing.com/title.php?id=317

EXCERPT:

She stepped into her boots. Their buckles slapped worn leather as she circled the trunk.

"I hope you got ID, buddy."

The throaty growl stirred the hair on her arms. What was so appealing about a deep baritone? Sure, that velvet rasp was a real asset for phone sex operators and jazz singers but put it on a priest, a teacher or a doctor...

Lonnie stopped as her heart picked up tempo. Orren Prior was a doctor. A doctor with a normal male voice. A doctor with good looks, old money and an older family name. With those assets, he didn't need a voice like liquid chocolate. And he certainly didn't need her.

So why had he asked her to marry him?

"And wipe that grin off your face." The sinful voice truncated her speculation. Bones rattled like chips in a soothsayer's cup as he shook his attacker. "Assaulting a peace officer is a serious offense."

Lonnie palmed her giggle. Not many men would have a sense of humor after being knocked unconscious by a skeleton. Unconscious? Brain trauma. Concussion. What other horrible repercussions could result from the skeletal walloping?

"Are you all right?"

Startled, the man bounced on the ground. After stuffing the skeleton behind his back, he turned to face her. Cobalt blue eyes flicked over her with the precision of a laser.

"I just had the wind knocked out of me. Have you been standing there long?"

"Don't worry." Lonnie resisted the urge to squirm. She hadn't done anything wrong, precisely. Old Reidon plunging on top the man's curly brown head was an accident. "I won't tell anyone you were consorting with a skeleton."

White teeth flashed in his tanned face. He settled the skeleton next to him and wrapped his arm around the bony shoulders. "Alas, she's not my type. I prefer someone with a little more meat on her bones."

Interest flared in the blue depths.

Lonnie clasped her hands together. She was practically an engaged woman, would be engaged if she had answered Orren. And she wasn't flirting. She was simply sharing a laugh over the absurd situation.

"I believe weight to be the least of your problems." She squatted before him. Evenly dilated pupils focused clearly on her lips. She could probably rule out a concussion. A wisp of

Old Spice aftershave teased her. Her nose twitched. The clean scent hinted at subtle layers waiting to be discovered. She should keep him under observation, maybe even overnight observation. Just in case.

"You willing to share my problems with me, honey?" The right corner of his mouth lifted, propping up the dimple in his cheek.

Honey. Chocolate. Rich, decadent and forbidden to anyone on a diet or almost engaged. Regret swung across her shoulders as she pulled back. If only she'd given Orren an answer before she left. A no would have allowed her to flirt with Mr. Sinful and a yes...

She stuffed away the useless thoughts. "Old Reidon is definitely a man, not a woman."

"How can you tell?" Brown eyebrows met over his aquiline nose. "I mean without the obvious, er..." Embarrassment darkened his cheeks.

"The obvious?" Amusement trickled through her. Such chagrin over the simple mention of body parts. Her gaze flicked over him. Not that his weren't a fine example of his gender. Broad-shouldered and narrow-hipped. Waves of muscle played over bones. A fine example of manhood, indeed.

He cleared his throat and stared over her shoulder. "The obvious plumbing facilities still intact."

"His pelvis." Her gaze dropped. Gurgling goo, his zipper was going to pop. She forced her attention back to his face. "A man's and a woman's pelvis are different."

His gaze slid down her shoulder to linger over the area in question. Desire cast heat across her flesh. This was no clinical observation; this was her treacherous body layering innuendo onto a scientific explanation.

"A woman's hips are wider, flared to cradle a baby and ... and a man."

Be sure to leave a comment for the drawing...
Happy Halloween!